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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 21

"But I have a few things against you"

Text: Revelation 2:14

THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM

The story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22-24. Balaam’s reputation was that of a prophet for hire. He was hired by Balak, king of Moab. Balaam was tasked to curse Israel in any way he could. He failed in his mission because God had forbidden him to do anything evil against Israel.

“But I have a few things against you,
because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam,
who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel,
to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,
which thing I hate.”
Revelation 2:14-15

1. The doctrine of Balaam.

a) It is the practice of sorcery and divination.

b) Religion was a means to obtain great gain.

2.The deadly influence of Balaam.

a) When sorcery failed to work against Israel, he employed other means.

b) He taught king Balak how to stumble Israel.

i) Balaam introduced Idolatry to Israel.

ii) He also taught Balak how to use Moabite women to entice the Israelite men to indulge in immoral activities.

c) Balaamism in Pergamos.

i) It was thriving.

ii) The church was not spared.

iii) Many were in danger of being ensnared.

iv) The Lord urged the people to remain strong and true.

v) The Church must decide to be faithful to the Lord.

vi) The Lord can warn, but the church must decide on the course to be followed.

3. The spread of the Nicolaitans.

a) They had made inroads into the Church at Pergamos.

b) The Lord expressed great personal “hatred” for this cult-group.

c) But it must decide if it wants to be faithful to the Lord.